June 17, 2003 (Vancouver, B.C.) – The first annual Stanley Park Bike Festival took place on Sunday, June 15, where two-wheel enthusiasts of all ages were entertained, educated and exercised. The festival was a huge success, with close to one thousand people in attendance, including Vancouver City Councillor and Deputy Mayor Raymond Louie and North Vancouver City Councillor and Acting Mayor Darrell Mussatto.

“This was Vancouver's first festival celebrating all types of cycling, whether it's racing, recreation or transportation,” said Alistair Barrett, event founder and co-organizer. “I'm thrilled – the premiere Stanley Park Bike Festival could not have gone better.”

Unicycles, bicycles and even a few tricycles wheeled around Brockton Point to celebrate the healthy, environmentally and economically sound mode of transportation. Children participated in junior races and treasure hunts, and learned safety tips to make cycling safer. Festival attendees were dazzled by the bike stunts of the John Henry Jump Team and the young Baia Brothers.

The Vancouver Parks Board made Brockton Point car-free during the festival. “We think it is important to promote alternative forms of transit, like cycling, in the city,” said Heather Deal, Vancouver Parks Board Chair. “The festival was a terrific success. We will certainly see more events like this in the future.”

Racers of all abilities competed in the third annual Brockton Criterium. The top finishers were as follows:

Women's category 1/2/3:
1. Lisa Sweeney
2. Marni Prazsky
3. Sara Noble

Women's category 4:
1. Naomi Cooper
2. ZoÃŽ Adrian
3. Kelly Jones

Men's category 1/2:
1. Sam Whittingham
2. Scott Goguen
3. Greg Harris

Men's category 3/4:
1. Brad Fairall
2. Blake Bowell
3. Eric Kamenka


“It is better late than never to see a festival like this happen in
Vancouver's enthusiastic cycling community,” says Wade Simmons – dubbed the
best free-rider in the world by Mountain Bike Magazine – who added his
celebrity to the event and encouraged future free-riding stars to pursue
their passion.

The first of its kind, the Stanley Park Bike Festival has set a precedent
for Vancouver's future. For more information and complete race results,
please visit www.stanleyparkbikefest.ca.